I’m comfortable at a size 8 – should I strive to be a 6??

SASSYnCHICago

Little background:
Heaviest weight: 168
Height 5’5”
SW: 160 lbs.
CW: 136.5 lbs.
GW: 135 lbs.
I started seriously exercising and watching my diet in Jan.2012. I lost about 25 lbs, slowly and safely throughout the year. I haven’t been this size, and in control of my diet/exercise in over 15 yrs. For the past ten years – my weight ranged was from 148-165. I feel comfortable now but keep hearing this little voice: “but just think if you loss 10 more pounds, what an accomplishment that would be as I never have been 125 since maybe the age of 16”. I am larger frame, but not that tall 5’5” if that make sense – LOL! I have a lot of muscle. – I’m at about 22.8% BMI so normal range, with about 23.3% BF.
While lately, I have been enjoying eating healthy, with a twist (moderate with my indulgence) and maintaining my weight within 3 lbs the last couple month. I have been losing inches because I have a pretty structured exercise schedule including: swimming, running, kickboxing and weight/core training.
I know if I really stay disciplined and started eating completely clean for a month or two I would loss those 10 lbs. I just don’t want to become one of those yo-yo dieters. But – that voice that speaks to me gets loud sometimes, and I tell it to shut up because I want to have pizza and beer once in a while, and a little dessert/treat daily.
What are your thoughts?

boobee32

I am about your frame and height. i am good at a size 8 personally. I say, if you are comfortable with where you are, and still able to enjoy things in moderation, then do so.
For me personally, I dont want to be where I can NEVER have the pleasure of enjoying anything without feeling guilty or worrying that I will gain. I just want to be comfortable.

Iron_Feline

If you are happy where you are why try for something that may well be unrealistic now, I know I am a very different shape to when I was 16 - my hips are never fitting into a size 8 like they use to then. :sad:

I'd rather be a happy size whatever and enjoy my treats, than eat really clean, maybe reach that goal and then lose it the minute I ate treats again!

just my two cents. :happy:

prokomds

If you're enjoying your exercise routine, I'd just keep at it, while eating at around maintenance. You might lose a little more, you might not, but it sounds like you'll be in awesome shape. I think I'd rather enjoy the occasional treat and keep my weight in a manageable range than fight every day just for some artificially low goal weight. I hope to be where you are in another 6 months or so

SP2Bfit

I agree with everyone else here, including what you said in your post...if you are comfortable where you are at don't worry about dropping additional pounds or getting a size lower Keep up your exercise routine and focus on keeping your weight in a steady zone for awhile. You may continue to shrink in size and maybe even continue to drop weight.

SASSYnCHICago

If you are happy where you are why try for something that may well be unrealistic now, I know I am a very different shape to when I was 16 - my hips are never fitting into a size 8 like they use to then. :sad:

I'd rather be a happy size whatever and enjoy my treats, than eat really clean, maybe reach that goal and then lose it the minute I ate treats again!

just my two cents. :happy:

do you mean those are not your killer ABS in the picture :laugh: And if they are I'm sooooo jealous.

Thanks for the advice. I guess the best outcome would be to continue to do what I'm doing and become more lean, which would enable me to reduce my body fat and see if I naturely fit into those size 6!! - it's just when I was clothes shopping yesterday, I fit them tightly and thought -- oh!oh! you are so.. close.

Iron_Feline

do you mean those are not your killer ABS in the picture :laugh: And if they are I'm sooooo jealous.

God I wish - they are my 'if only' abs - and will never be mine as I like naught snacks too much :drinker:

ABrideToBE

I have the same dilemma. My body seems to be comfortable around 135lbs but somehow, I want to be at 125lbs. Got there once but it wasn't sustainable for me. My problem is my junk food cravings that I cannot seem to control. That and my lack of discipline. :explode:

SparkleShine

I am about the same height/build as you and honestly I am aiming for a size 8. Around 140 pounds for me. I'm not interested in getting any lower...

It all matters how YOU feel and what YOU are comfortable with for teh long run. Like you said, you could probably drop another 10 but would that be sustainable without a lot of extra effort?

You look great! Keep up the good work!!!:flowerforyou:

lt3ag4s

Why go further? What goal/accomplishment are you aiming for in doing so?

Washboard abs is a cultural thing and in my opinion, not natural. Look at every primitive culture out there and show me who has washboard abs. They all have rounded bellies. A rounded belly is natural. In order to get washboard abs you have to target the abs specifically with exercises. In my opinion, exercise is not natural. It is a cultural luxury.

That said, I do exercise and also wish to have washboard abs but realize that I am not willing to put forth the effort required to get them. My motivation is to be healthy and fit. My personal measure of fitness is in physical capabilities.

Numbers for size and weight refer to quantity not quality. Focus on how you feel both physically and mentally. If having washboard abs makes you feel good mentally as well as physically than go for it.

Mcctin65

I'm thinking we have a lot in common but I like wine better than beer and I'm older!
I was down to 140 which felt perfect .. then I blew it. I plan to get back to 140 and I'll see from there.
I think we still have to enjoy ourselves and be proud of our accomplishments and not kill ourselves trying to fit into a specific image.
Good luck and you look great!